Celebrating 125 years of Walker and Hall, we are inspired to reflect and give thanks. While much has changed since Walker and Hall established itself in New Zealand in 1899, the values of our brand have never wavered. Quality, expert design, and unparalleled beauty have remained at the forefront of the business as we’ve celebrated special moments with New Zealanders for 125 years.
The Walker and Hall flag symbolises our devotion to these values. First flown in the 1840s in Sheffield, England, the flag continues to grace our storefronts and website today. This symbol tells the story of our craftsmanship and reputation with our dear customers. We are proud to share this important piece of our history with you as we celebrate 125 years.
The Early Days of Walker and Hall
Walker and Hall was established in 1845 in Sheffield by George Walker and Henry Hall. They were experts in silver electroplating techniques and created stunning silver pieces, from dinnerware to ship models and trophies. Their priority was always quality, using the best silver and expert technique and design for their work.
The Birth of the Flag
Silver has historically been protected in Britain by stamping certain symbols and letters. These stamps would identify the maker, the assay office (where the quality of the metal is determined), and the verification date. The purpose of the stamps was to maintain quality and protect against fraudulent sales of fake silver.
In saying this, electroplated silver was not subject to the same stamping measures. Therefore, silversmiths created methods of marking their pieces to show date and authenticity. The Walker and Hall flag was created to mark our products' authenticity, date, and quality. The image was not only stamped onto silverware; it became the brand's logo, flying proudly outside the Sheffield factory since the mid-1800s.
The flag is a pennant—a tapered flag commonly flown on ships to signal to other ships. Inside the image are the initials W & H. The exact style of the flag changed over time, marking the date and reassuring the authenticity of the silverware.
The flag's earliest version, dating back to about 1860, is curvier, and the point tapers down. Later versions had a more geometric look—the lines of the flag were slightly smoother, the flag more symmetrical, and the point sharp and centred. This version was introduced after 1910 and, apart from a few very minor alterations, has stayed predominantly the same since.
Walker and Hall's products were unmatched in their design and quality. The brand quickly developed a positive reputation that has endured to this day. In 1853, the staff number was nine; in 1892, the team was over 2000.
Walker and Hall in New Zealand
Walker and Hall first sold products in New Zealand in 1881. New Zealanders adored the quality of the product, and quickly, the brand established an exceptional reputation. In 1899, Walker and Hall established an official presence in New Zealand. Jewellery was sold among other classic silver products.
The first showroom opened in Wellington in 1911, the Walker and Hall flag flying proudly on the shop sign. The flag made its way onto silverware in Kiwi homes, and soon, our brand was established as New Zealand's renowned jewellers, an intrinsic part of the New Zealand identity. In 1831, Walker and Hall crafted the Bledisloe Cup.
In 1937, Walker and Hall NZ became a registered company in New Zealand, separating from its UK parent company. A factory was established in Freemans Bay in 1942. More stores, including our iconic Queen Street store, opened in the 1980s. In 1997, Walker Hall was delisted from the NZ Stock Exchange and became a private NZ family business. Still, the brand's values never wavered—in 2016, Walker and Hall became the first winner of the jewellery category in New Zealand's most trusted brand award.
As we established ourselves in New Zealand and focussed on jewellers, our devotion to excellence and quality has remained, as embodied by our precious flag. We continue to celebrate our heritage and craftsmanship through our collections.
From Walker and Hall, Thank You
For 125 years, we have proudly created the finest jewellery of the highest quality for New Zealand.
This is only our story; your Walker and Hall story will look different. Perhaps you first received a necklace for your twenty-first or an engagement ring from the love of your life. These are all part of the Walker and Hall story. We are filled with joy, knowing we have been part of many special moments in New Zealanders' lives.
From the team here at Walker and Hall, our flag still flies because of you. We promise to continue creating beautiful, quality products and to celebrate the big and the little occasions with you. Thank you for your support.
Celebrate 125 years of Walker and Hall with our 1899 Collection.